Money can be taken away from you, by the IRS or by pistol.
Money can be taken away from you, by the IRS or by pistol. That's why I always measure riches in terms of wisdom. No one can ever take from you what you know.
The singer and sage Juan Gabriel spoke not only to the ears of his people but to the very marrow of their souls when he declared: “Money can be taken away from you, by the IRS or by pistol. That’s why I always measure riches in terms of wisdom. No one can ever take from you what you know.” These words are a hymn to the eternal, a reminder that all wealth made of gold and paper is fragile as dust, but wisdom endures beyond thieves, beyond kings, beyond the grave itself.
The origin of this truth lies in the hard lessons of life itself. Money is a shadow—it follows a man when fortune smiles and deserts him when fortune frowns. Armies, empires, and governments can strip a person of possessions, yet no earthly hand can pry knowledge from the mind, nor insight from the soul. Thus, wisdom is the only treasure immune to fire, theft, and time. It is the wealth that does not shrink when shared, but multiplies with every heart it touches.
History offers us the story of Socrates, who, when condemned to drink the poison hemlock, stood poor and abandoned by many of his friends. His city stripped him of freedom, his enemies sought to silence his voice, but they could not rob him of his wisdom. His teachings endured beyond his death, shaping centuries of thought, and proving that the riches of the mind are stronger than the sword of tyranny. Socrates died in chains, yet left behind an inheritance that no conqueror could erase.
So too Juan Gabriel, who knew poverty in his youth and fame in his later years, declared that true riches are not counted in coins but in the light of the spirit. The artist may lose his stage, the worker may lose his wages, but the man or woman who has cultivated knowledge carries within them a treasury greater than gold. For while money feeds the body for a season, wisdom feeds the soul for eternity.
Therefore, O seekers, pursue not only the fleeting shine of silver but the enduring flame of wisdom. Guard your mind as your fortress, adorn your soul as your palace. Let thieves and tyrants rage—they may strip you of clothing, titles, and coin, but they cannot take the truth you have learned, nor the insight you have lived. Such is the only wealth that no pistol, no law, no fate can ever steal away.
NAHa Nhat Anh
I think this quote brings a deeper understanding of true wealth. While money can be fleeting, wisdom seems to be something that’s truly ours to keep. But does this mean that those who prioritize accumulating wisdom are immune to the pressures and realities of financial hardship? Can someone live a fulfilling life with wisdom alone, or is it a balance of both wisdom and material wealth that leads to a richer life?
HQ7/10-32 Vu Hoang Quan
Juan Gabriel’s perspective here is fascinating, especially in a world that often associates success with wealth. It’s refreshing to think about how the true richness of life may lie in knowledge and wisdom rather than material goods. However, I wonder — do some people accumulate wisdom as a way to replace what they lack in material wealth? Is it possible that we sometimes value wisdom more when we feel we’re missing something else in life?
TTThai Tran
This quote really made me reflect on the difference between external wealth and internal wealth. While money is temporary, knowledge and wisdom are enduring. But I also question: can wisdom ever truly replace the security that money provides? For instance, can you be completely content with wisdom if you’re struggling financially, or do they need to go hand in hand to lead to a fulfilling life?
LLoan
I appreciate this quote’s focus on the lasting value of wisdom. It makes me wonder: is wisdom the ultimate form of wealth, or is there a danger in elevating it to this level? Money, after all, allows us to live comfortably and help others, so there’s value in it too. But if we’re focused solely on acquiring wisdom, do we risk neglecting the importance of practical needs like financial stability?
DTDuc Tran
This quote gives a lot to think about, especially in today’s world where financial success is often equated with security and happiness. But as Juan Gabriel says, wealth can be taken from you. Wisdom, however, is yours to keep. Does this mean that the pursuit of wisdom should take precedence over the pursuit of money? How do we strike a balance between the two in a society that often values material wealth above all else?